Andrew Robathan inherited this seat from fellow Conservative and former chancellor Nigel Lawson in 1992, achieving a larger majority than Mr Lawson had ever recorded.

Although his majority was considerably cut in 1997, the swing to Labour was no larger than the national swing. The swing to Labour since 1992 appears to have hurt the Lib Dems hardest – the party had been the second party in the constituency until 1992.

The constituency sits on the south west of Leicester. Blaby itself is a small village, and the main centres of population in the area are Braunstone, Narborough, Countesthorpe and Glen Parva.

Farming, especially dairy farming, is the main occupation in Blaby, although over recent years farming in the area has been in gradual decline.

Areas of historical interest in the constituency include the 13th century Elmesthorpe Church which is thought to have provided shelter for the soldiers of King Richard III on their march from Leicester to the Battle of Bosworth.

Soldiers from the battle are thought to be buried in the churchyard. King Charles I stayed at the 14th century Manor House in Glen Parva after the battle of Naseby.